Extreme Winter Weather Expected: Wind, Snow, and Rain on March 8, 2025

Strong Depression Jana to Impact Weather on Saturday, March 8, 2025

A strong depression, named Jana by AEMET, is set to bring high weather risks due to strong winds, significant maritime agitation, and considerable precipitation. A “nevão,” or heavy snowfall, is also anticipated, accompanied by a notable temperature decrease throughout the weekend.

Potential for Significant Snow Accumulation

• Significant snow accumulation is expected in the Serra da Estrela and possibly in other mountainous regions at higher elevations.

Two Peaks of Intensity

The weather event is expected to have two peaks of intensity:

• The first on Friday, with the passage of initial fronts associated with the depression.
• The second on Saturday, involving the passage of two depression nuclei: one linked to the main nucleus and afterward the main core of the depression itself.

IPMA Warnings Issued

Given the complex and potentially severe weather conditions, IPMA (Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere) has issued yellow and orange warnings for various parameters, including wind, precipitation, maritime agitation, and snow. For detailed and updated warnings, consult the IPMA warnings.

Impact on Madeira

The described weather pattern will also affect madeira between Friday and Saturday, characterized by very strong winds and maritime agitation.

Sunday Weather Outlook

While conditions may improve on Sunday with reduced wind intensity, the overall weather pattern suggests instability for the following 8 to 10 days, with daily rain and potential for increased wind on certain days. The image below illustrates the pressure and geopotential forecast according to the Arpege model.

Azores Forecast

The Azores are expected to experience stable weather this Saturday, but precipitation will return on Sunday as a front crosses the archipelago from west to east, signaling a shift in conditions. “This rainy and occasionally suction cup regime can be to maintain!”

• Northwest wind and cold temperatures expected on Saturday.
• Wind rotation to southwest and rising temperatures on Sunday.

Madeira Weather

In Madeira, calm weather is expected, influenced by an anticyclone and a damp north flow, potentially leading to occasional showers but generally clear skies.

Saturday, March 8, 2025: Detailed Forecast

Mainland Portugal

• Overview: Prepare for significant rain, strong winds, cold temperatures, rough seas, and snow.
• Cloud Cover: Periods of cloudy skies with some clear intervals.
• Precipitation: “Sydacers, sometimes strong and accompanied by thunderstorm and hail, as well as gusts, especially in the southern region and morning, and on the north and center coast throughout the day.”
• Wind: “Moderate to strong, from southwest, between 35 to 50km/h, punctually with more intense gusts on the coast (up to 75km/h) especially during the passage of the sweeteners.”
• Severe Wind Potential:
  • Dawn from Friday to Saturday in the Algarve: “Risk of gusts up to 100km/h, and higher, locally.”
  • Northern coastal areas at the end of the day: “Risk of gusts up to 110km/h.”
• Snow: “Snow over 1000 meters, approximately, not occasionally discarding that there are lower quotas – 700 800 meters – especially in the northern region.”
• Snow Accumulation: “can accumulate up to 50cm in Serra da Estrela between the end of Friday and the end of Saturday!”

Saturday, March 8, 2025, will bring challenging weather conditions across Portugal, with strong winds, heavy rain, and significant snowfall in mountainous regions. Stay updated with local weather alerts and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. Remember to check the latest forecasts from IPMA for real-time updates and warnings and stay safe during this period of intense weather.

What specific actions can individuals and communities take to better prepare and adapt to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Portugal?

Interview: Dr. Sofia Ribeiro on Storm Jana’s Impact on Portugal

Archyde News speaks with Dr. Sofia Ribeiro, a leading meteorologist at the fictional Lisbon Weather Institute (LWI), about the approaching Storm Jana and it’s potential impacts on Portugal.

Understanding the Severity of Storm Jana

Archyde News: dr. Ribeiro, thank you for joining us. Storm Jana is making headlines. Could you give us a sense of the storm’s expected intensity and what makes it noteworthy?

Dr. Sofia Ribeiro: Certainly. Storm Jana is classified as a strong depression, which means we’re expecting notable weather disturbances. What’s especially notable is the combination of factors: very strong winds, heavy precipitation, significant maritime agitation, and notable snowfall, especially in mountainous regions like Serra da estrela. The IPMA has issued yellow and orange warnings, reflecting the potential severity.”

The Impact Across Portugal: Mainland, Azores, and Madeira

Archyde News: The forecast mentions varying impacts across different regions of Portugal. How will the storm affect mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira differently?

Dr. Sofia Ribeiro: Mainland Portugal will bear the brunt of the storm, particularly on Saturday, March 8th, 2025. We’re anticipating heavy rain, strong winds gusting up to 110 km/h in some northern coastal areas, and snow accumulation reaching up to 50 cm in Serra da estrela. the Azores, after a stable Saturday, will see precipitation returning on Sunday. madeira, conversely, enjoys relatively calmer weather, influenced by an anticyclone and damp north flow.”

Snowfall and Mountainous Regions

Archyde News: Snowfall is a major component of this storm. What’s the expected snowfall level, and which regions specifically should prepare for significant accumulation?

Dr. Sofia Ribeiro: Snow levels will generally be above 1000 meters, but we can’t rule out lower quotas, perhaps around 700-800 meters, especially in the northern region. The Serra da Estrela is the primary area of concern,with expected accumulations of up to 50 centimeters by the end of Saturday.”

Timing of key Weather Events

Archyde News: Can you break down the timing of the most significant weather events, especially concerning the two peaks of intensity mentioned in the forecast?

Dr. Sofia ribeiro: The storm’s intensity will likely peak twice. The first peak occurs on Friday as initial fronts associated with the depression move through.The second, and potentially more impactful, peak will be on Saturday, with two depression nuclei passing through: one associated with the main storm system and afterward the main core of the depression itself.”

Safety Precautions and Staying Informed

Archyde News: What essential safety precautions should the public take during Storm Jana, and how can they stay informed about the latest updates?

Dr. Sofia Ribeiro: Primarily, stay informed. Monitor IPMA warnings and local news updates. Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in mountainous regions experiencing heavy snowfall. Secure outdoor objects that could be blown away by strong winds. Be cautious near coastal areas due to significant maritime agitation. Remember,”safety first” during periods of such intense weather. If you have to travel, drive slowly and safely, and ensure your vehicle is adequately equipped for the conditions.”

The Future of Extreme Weather events

Archyde News: Considering global climate trends, are we likely to see an increase in similar extreme weather events in Portugal, and what preparations should be made on a broader scale?

Dr. Sofia Ribeiro: While attributing any single weather event directly to climate change is complex, the broader trend suggests we can expect more frequent and more intense extreme weather events. Portugal needs to prioritize infrastructure resilience,enhanced early warning systems,and public awareness campaigns. Furthermore,lasting practices and climate change mitigation policies are crucial for long-term resilience.

Reader Invitation: Your Thoughts?

Archyde news: Dr. Ribeiro, a thought-provoking question for our readers: Given the increasing frequency of these extreme weather events, what specific actions do you believe individuals and communities should prioritize to better prepare and adapt?

Dr. Sofia Ribeiro: That’s an excellent question. I’d encourage readers to consider practical steps they can take at home, in their communities, and through their involvement in local governance to foster greater resilience. Your insights and proactive measures are valuable in navigating these changing times.